Andrew Linnell

This book details the dramatic changes to Christian theology from Early Christianity into the Renaissance. Once, Art, Science, and Religion were one. But, by the time of the Renaissance, they had split apart. When Christianity began, the door to experiencing the spiritual world had shut. Materialism ruled. Even dreams no longer provided sound spiritual guidance. The mystery centers themselves, were no longer able to bring students to full initiation. When we look at the Golden Age of Greece, before Rome and Christianity had entered the stage of history, we find that humanity believed that they were guided by inspirations attained through their ancient mystery centers. Such centers were found everywhere in the ancient world. This book traces this history, through the time when Christianity essentially became the religion of the Roman Empire to well after Rome fell and when the Church drifted deep into corruption. We explore the multiple Christianities and the brutality that many faced who had not become part of the Orthodox and later the Roman Catholic Church. It is indeed an uncomfortable history for what is called Christianity.

Hidden Heretic describes Leonardo's depiction of a deep mystery in his Virgin of the Rocks paintings. Because the Inquisition was still a menace to science and non-Catholic theologies, Leonardo dismembered his insights to safely reveal them individually through his artistic genius. The book shows how this dismembered mystery can be reintegrated through the works of his students. The book explores the role the mystic and wisest man of the Byzantine Empire, Georgius Gemistus Plethon, played as catalyst for the Renaissance. The author carries the reader back to 15th century Florence and Milan to experience its drama and artists. An important book for academics and a fascinating read for the layperson